Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has declared that his political ambition is not driven by desperation for power but by a vision for a better Nigeria.
Atiku, who contested the 2023 presidential election on the platform of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) before recently defecting to the African Democratic Congress (ADC), made this known at an affirmation ceremony for new ADC members held on Saturday in Lagos.
Speaking through Prof. Ola Olateju of Achievers University, Owo, Ondo State, Atiku emphasised that his priority was to see Nigeria become secure, prosperous, and well-governed.
“Atiku Abubakar’s plan is to build a better Nigeria. It is not about being president at all costs, but about having a government that can truly deliver for Nigerians,” Olateju said on his behalf.
He described the ADC not merely as a political party but as a movement of Nigerians committed to charting a new course for the country. “It is no longer politics as usual. This is a new beginning, a fresh journey towards repositioning Nigeria,” he added.
The former PDP candidate stressed that the coalition within ADC was united by the common goal of national transformation, not personal ambition. He noted that Nigerians were battling economic hardship worsened by subsidy removal and inflation, insisting that only effective leadership could provide relief.
On the 2027 presidential race, Atiku said the party would allow a free and fair contest, adding that whoever emerged as ADC’s flagbearer would enjoy his full support. “The focus is not Atiku for president or Obi for president at all costs. Whoever the people choose will represent the collective voice and aspiration of Nigerians,” he stated.
The defection ceremony saw several PDP chieftains officially join the ADC, including Board of Trustees member Dr. Abimbola Ogunkelu; former Lagos PDP chairmen Chief Muritala Ashorobi and Capt. Tunji Shelle (rtd.), Lagos Central Vice Chairman, and ex-PDP Youth Leader Mr. Tai Benedict, among others.
